Marianjoy Receives James Brady Award from Brain Injury Association

Contact: Karen Tornberg, Marketing and Public Relations, 630-909-7105 or ktornberg@marianjoy.org

What: Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital is the 2007 recipient of the James Brady Award. This award is given to honor a person or organization that goes above and beyond to improve lives of persons with brain injury, thereby supporting the mission and goals of the Brain Injury Association of Illinois.

In the words of Ginny Lazzara, Chair of the Board of Directors for the Brain Injury Association of Illinois, “The vision Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital has shown in addressing the complex needs of persons with brain injury is exemplary. We are especially impressed with Marianjoy’s innovative, holistic programs including the inpatient and day programs, Post Concussive Institute, vestibular and visual programs, pain management, as well as their outstanding brain injury support group.”

Each year 1.4 million people in the United States sustain a traumatic brain injury and 50,000 of them die as a result. The leading causes of traumatic brain injury are falls and traffic accidents which are most likely to impact children four and under and young people 15 to 19 years old. It is estimated that more than 50% of injured veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan have some degree of brain injury.

When: The award will be given tonight, Friday, October 26, 2007, at the Brain Injury Association of Illinois Awards Dinner, 6:15 p.m. The award will be accepted by Kathleen C. Yosko, President and CEO of Marianjoy, and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the American Medical Rehabilitation Providers Association.

About: The Marianjoy Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program provides a full continuum of care to individuals of all ages with mild to traumatic brain injuries. Led by Medical Director Dr. Nelson Escobar, the Marianjoy team of highly qualified clinicians has a strong outcomes-focused approach to working with patients which is integrated into all aspects of treatment. Marianjoy’s inpatient brain injury program is CARF-accredited. Outpatient brain injury programs include day rehabilitation programs throughout the Chicagoland area and Post Concussive Institute in Wheaton and Westchester. The Marianjoy Brain Injury Programs provide exceptional, compassionate, and individualized treatment to assist each patient and family in rebuilding their lives. Visit www.Marianjoy.org for more information.

The Brain Injury Association of Illinois (BIA of IL) is a not-for-profit, statewide membership organization comprised of people with brain injuries, family members, friends, and professionals. BIA of IL is part of a network of brain injury associations across the United States, and is a subsidiary of the national Brain Injury Association, Inc. (BIA) which was founded in 1980. The BIA of IL is the only organization in Illinois serving individuals with traumatic brain injuries, their families, and professionals who treat them, and is dedicated to providing information, advocacy, and support. Visit www.biail.org for more information.